Gender differences in pain: does X = Y?
Increasing evidence suggests that men and women differ in their responses to pain. Women report intense pain more often than men afflicted with similar ailments. A variety of psychological, cellular, and hormonal modulations have important roles in the experience of pain. The aims of this course are to update anesthesia providers about the differences between genders in pain sensitivity and treatment and to elucidate the complex aspects of the biology of such differences. Providers need to understand and anticipate gender as a potential factor in pain response and opioid requirements. Continued research in this area may someday provide gender-specific medications for pain treatment and a better understanding of certain prevalent pain conditions between genders.
Toomey
Matthew
M
Department of Anesthesia, Chippenham Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA. mtoomey31@yahoo.com
D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D012727:Sex Characteristics